Orange Mango Shrimp Cocktail – A Sweet & Spicy Appetizer Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 5 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Cuisine: Fusion

Courses: Appetizer

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Best Season: Summer

Dietary: Gluten-Free, High-protein, Low-Carb

Description

Looking for a refreshing, tropical appetizer that’s bursting with sweet and spicy flavors? This Orange Mango Shrimp Cocktail is the perfect blend of zesty citrus, juicy shrimp, and creamy mango cocktail sauce—ideal for summer parties, holiday gatherings, and elegant dinners. The shrimp are marinated in a flavorful mix of orange zest, smoked paprika, and garlic, then grilled or pan-seared to perfection. The homemade mango purée sauce adds a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy kick that makes this dish irresistible.

This gluten-free, dairy-free seafood appetizer is quick, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Serve in mini glass cups or on a platter for a stunning gourmet presentation. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, wedding reception, or casual backyard BBQ, this shrimp cocktail will impress your guests with its bright, citrusy flavors and elegant appeal.

📌 Perfect for:

Seafood lovers looking for a unique shrimp appetizer
Healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free party snacks
Tropical-inspired meals and summer entertaining
Elegant holiday starters and fine-dining appetizers

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb 450g shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for presentation)
1 tbsp olive oil (https://amzn.to/3QABq8H)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
1/2 of Juice an orange
1/2 of Zest an orange

For the Orange Mango Cocktail Sauce:

1/2 cup mango purée (fresh or store-bought)
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp horseradish (adjust to taste)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to preference)
1/2 tsp orange zest
1/2 tsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1
Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), orange zest, and orange juice.
- Let marinate for 15–20 minutes for deeper flavor.
2
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
3
Make the Orange Mango Cocktail Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the mango purée, orange juice, lime juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, orange zest, and honey.
- Taste and adjust seasoning (add more lime juice for tang, more honey for sweetness, or more hot sauce for spice).
- Chill until ready to serve.
4
Assemble & Serve:
- Spoon the cocktail sauce into small glass serving cups or bowls.
- Arrange the cooked shrimp on top or hanging over the edge of the glasses.
- Garnish with additional orange zest or a sprig of fresh herbs (like cilantro or mint) if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 155kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.5g6%
Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
Cholesterol 130mg44%
Sodium 350mg15%
Potassium 250mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 11.5g4%
Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%
Sugars 9g
Protein 16g32%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

📌 Recipe Notes & Pro Tips

1️⃣ Choosing the Best Shrimp:

Use large shrimp (16/20 count per pound) for the best texture and presentation.
Fresh or frozen shrimp both work—just thaw frozen shrimp in cold water for 15 minutes before cooking.
Tail-on shrimp look more elegant for serving in cocktail glasses.

2️⃣ How to Make the Sauce Thicker or Thinner:

If the mango sauce is too thick, add 1 tbsp of orange juice or water at a time until smooth.
If it’s too thin, blend in extra mango purée for a richer consistency.

3️⃣ How to Make It Spicier or Milder:

Spicy Version: Add more hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
Mild Version: Reduce the horseradish and hot sauce, and add a little honey for extra sweetness.

4️⃣ Best Presentation Tips:

Serve in mini martini glasses, shot glasses, or small bowls for an elegant cocktail-style presentation.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, a lime wedge, or extra orange zest for a restaurant-quality look.

5️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

🚫 Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! Overcooking makes them rubbery. Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
🚫 Skipping the Marination: Even 10–15 minutes of marination boosts flavor significantly!
🚫 Serving the Sauce Warm: Always chill the sauce for at least 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor contrast.